Meet the alumni spearheading the fastest-growing companies in the Sun Devil 100
What do biotechnology, facial fitness and backyard games all have in common? They’re the foundations of three standout companies from the Sun Devil 100 Class of 2026
Honorees of the Sun Devil 100 Class of 2026 gathered for a recognition luncheon this past spring. Photo courtesy the ASU Alumni Association
Each year, the ASU Alumni Association honors outstanding alumni at the forefront of business and organizational growth with induction into the Sun Devil 100.
Across three revenue categories, three alumni-owned or -led companies emerged as standouts in the Sun Devil 100’s most recent cohort, the Class of 2026, for their exceptional growth:
- $10 million-plus: BioLab Holdings Inc. — Jaime Leija, ’03 BS in management
- $2–$9.99 million: Jawliner USA — Tiffany Tran, ’13 in BA communication
- $250,000–$1.99 million: SCORE NN’ — Jaron Lodge, ’21 BS in business entrepreneurship
Behind each company is an alum whose path to entrepreneurial success was shaped by perseverance, drive and ambition.
Jaime Leija — co-founder, CEO and president
’03 BS in management
As a three-time Sun Devil 100 inductee, Jaime Leija is well used to the honor of being part of the Sun Devil 100.
Leija’s biotechnology company BioLab Holdings Inc. was first inducted into the Sun Devil 100 as part of the Class of 2023, then again in 2025 and again in 2026.
Central to BioLab Holdings' mission is Leija’s self-imposed responsibility to serve the community with regenerative medicine solutions.
“Our growth is meaningful because it represents the value we've created together. It reinforces our responsibility and passion to continue innovating, serving our stakeholders with integrity, and delivering solutions that improve patient care.”
Leija’s dedication to giving back to others doesn’t end there. Among BioLab Holdings' community involvement is a partnership with ASU that formed the BioLab Catalyst Program, an international incubator that fuels startup technology development and offers students real-world industry experiences.
“It’s been incredibly rewarding to create opportunities for students while also strengthening our relationship with the university,” Leija said. “Investing in the next generation is one of my passions, and developing their talent benefits both our company and our community.”
Question: If you could share any advice for an aspiring Sun Devil entrepreneur or business owner, what would it be?
Leija: Focus on chasing experiences rather than pursuing titles or salaries. The first several years after graduation should be viewed as an extension of your education. Seek opportunities that challenge you, give you responsibility and expose you to different aspects of business. Success rarely happens overnight. It comes through years of learning, making mistakes, solving problems and building experience. If you're intentional about putting yourself in situations where you can grow, the financial rewards and career opportunities will follow. Invest in learning as much as you can early on. The experience you gain will become one of your greatest competitive advantages.
Tiffany Tran — co-founder
’13 BA in communication
Tiffany Tran made her debut in the Sun Devil 100 in recognition of the rapid growth of Jawliner USA, a health and wellness company based in Peoria.
Creating facial fitness products such as specialized chewing gum, Jawliner USA’s ultimate goal is to help individuals develop jaw definition and boost self-confidence.
Tran credits her entrepreneurial mindset to the foundational skills she nurtured during her time at ASU, sharing that the lessons she learned inspired her to build Jawliner USA’s story on “authentic self-belief” and “the courage to disrupt the wellness industry.”
“Coming from an ASU background, I think I’ve always had that Sun Devil grit — that willingness to dive into the unknown and learn by doing,” Tran said.
As a first-time honoree, Tran said entering the ranks of the Sun Devil 100 Class of 2026 pushes her to raise the bar not only for herself and Jawliner USA, but also for the next generation of Sun Devil entrepreneurs.
Question: What is a life lesson you’ve learned as a result of your journey with Jawliner USA?
Tran: The biggest life lesson I've learned is that resilience isn't about avoiding failure; it's about how quickly you can pivot. I've learned that entrepreneurship is less about perfection and more about relentless pursuit of progress. It's a lesson that fundamentally changed how I approach every challenge, both in business and in life.
Jaron Lodge — founder and CEO
’21 BS in business entrepreneurship
SCORE NN’, a repeat honoree, ranked at the top of the Sun Devil 100’s $250,000–$1.99 million revenue category for the second consecutive year.
The company pioneered a first-of-its-kind backyard game combining elements of classic childhood games: cornhole and skipping stones.
Founder and CEO Jaron Lodge’s journey to success wasn’t easy.
“There were plenty of setbacks, failures and moments where the easier option would have been to quit,” Lodge shared. “Being recognized as one of the fastest-growing companies in the Sun Devil 100 two years in a row is incredibly meaningful, because it validates years of persistence, learning and constant iteration.”
Now, SCORE NN’ is focusing on sustainable growth. Lodge said he’s been developing SELFMADEE, an in-house operating system built not only to help SCORE NN’ scale but also to serve as a resource for other e-commerce businesses.
Question: If you could share any advice for an aspiring Sun Devil entrepreneur or business owner, what would it be?
Lodge: Stay curious, seek feedback, surround yourself with people who challenge you and remember that consistency over many years almost always beats short bursts of motivation. Success is usually less about having a brilliant idea and more about having the persistence to keep improving long after everyone else has given up.
About the Sun Devil 100
The Sun Devil 100 is an annual business recognition program hosted by the ASU Alumni Association that honors the fastest-growing alumni-owned or -led organizations. To be considered, companies must have been in business for at least three years, have revenues of $250,000-plus for the past three years and operate in a manner consistent with the ASU Charter.
Are you or someone you know eligible to be nominated? Submit a nomination form.